JANUARY 2026
THRIFT VOLUNTEER NEWSLETTER
Keeping our valued volunteers informed
GM’s Corner Gifts for a New Year As we begin a new year, many people turn to resolutions. Often framed as some form of self-improvement, resolutions can be useful, but they often come with pressure—to fix things, to be better, to push harder. As I think about the new year, my thoughts turn to the season of Epiphany. For those unfamiliar with Epiphany, it is celebrated in the Christian calendar on January 6 and marks the moment when the Magi (kings/wise men from the east) were led by a star and brought gifts to the baby Jesus. If you are familiar with the Christmas hymn, “We three Kings”, it tells their story. Epiphany is a season of revelation, celebration, and renewal. Where Resolutions focus on outcome, Epiphany is about the journey. Epiphany and the Posture of Offering The difference is in our posture – our attitude. So often resolutions focus on us, our value and self-worth. They come with pressure to achieve and frustration and disappointment when we fall short of our goal. So maybe we can begin this new year not with pressure, but with offering. Gifts offered from a posture of humility, grace and forgiveness. Gifts We Might Bring into This Year 1. Gifts to What Grounds Us As a Christian, my grounding is in my faith. My values, my actions, my sense of purpose, and my commitment to the world around me is shaped by my acknowledgement of God’s will for my life. It is a grounding that forces me to look beyond and acknowledge something larger than myself. These gifts might include: • Attention to what matters • Openness to the unexpected • Commitment to our faith and to the values we hold
2. Gifts to Others A new year is always lived in community. At Care & Share, community includes our customers, donors, one another, and the people our work ultimately supports. Gifts we can offer might be: • Presence in the way we listen • Encouragement in how we speak • Patience on the busiest days • Forgiveness for the moments we stumble These small acts shape the culture of our shop in meaningful ways. 3. Gifts to Ourselves Just as the Magi “returned by another road,” a new year invites us to consider new ways of caring for ourselves. • Rest, so we can serve with energy • Grace and compassion, especially when days are long • Room to grow, without harsh expectations • These gifts sustain us for the work we are called to do. A New Year Shaped by Our Shared Mission So instead of asking, “What must I fix this year?” Perhaps we ask, “What gifts can I bring—here, to this place, to these people?” At MCC Care & Share, every act of service is a gift. Gifts rooted in hope, peace, joy, and love make a real difference in the lives of others. As we begin this new year together, may the gifts you bring—your compassion, your dedication, your presence—continue to light the way for our whole community.
Brian Ingram
General Manager MCC Care & Share
JANUARY 2026
THRIFT VOLUNTEER NEWSLETTER
Joke of the Month
How is this possible? The horse’s name is Friday!
Welcome! New volunteers added to our family so far this month! Let’s welcome: Heather H Marjorie F Jimmy G Joey C Hadi R Kevin A
January
BIRTHDAYS
Lys Laurence Jialing Zhao Chester Yang Sonia Persaud Louie Tsapoitis
1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1
Matthan L Charlie W Valentina S Markhai F Arezo S
Chloe Young Mary Lucas Jane Chomyn Wilma Scorrar Laura Wilson Carolyn Reesor Eva Peschke Michael Mansell Judy Wideman Nicole Austin Donna Lem Rachel Underwood
1/3 1/6 1/7 1/9 1/9 1/11 1/19 1/19 1/25 1/27 1/27 1/30
JANUARY 2026
THRIFT VOLUNTEER NEWSLETTER
Remembering Sandra Burke It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved volunteer, Sandra Burke. Sandra faithfully served with us for 11 years, and during that time she became far more than a volunteer; she was a constant presence, a helping hand, and a familiar, comforting face to many. Her dedication, kindness, and willingness to serve never went unnoticed, and her impact will be felt for years to come. Sandra gave her time generously and was committed to the shop which showed her deep care for our community and the people we serve. We are incredibly grateful for the many years she shared with us and for the memories that are left behind. We extend our deepest condolences to Sandra’s husband Gary, her family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of working alongside her. She will be greatly missed and fondly remembered. Please keep her loved ones in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
A note from your MCC Care & Share staff team As we step into a new year, we want to take a moment to extend our heartfelt thanks to each and every one of our volunteers. Your time, dedication, and willingness to serve make an incredible difference in the lives of those we support and in the strength of our community. Because of you, compassion is felt, hope is shared, and meaningful work is accomplished every single day. We are deeply grateful for your generosity, your faithfulness, and the joy you bring into this place. From all of us on staff, thank you for being such an essential part of our mission. We are so thankful for you and look forward to continuing this journey together in the year ahead. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful, healthy, and blessed New Year! Love, Your Care & Share Staff (who barely escaped the escape room)
Around the Shop
Our friends at over at ABLE Network hosted the yummiest bake sale!! Thank you ABLE for our Christmas treats!!! Way to go!
Our lad BJ absolutely kilt it with the outfit choice!
Who needs Ronald McDonald when you have Adam?!
JANUARY 2026
THRIFT VOLUNTEER NEWSLETTER
Yulia’s Story of Resilience and Giving Back Yulia came to Canada very recently after the war in Ukraine made it nearly impossible for her family to remain in their home. She was grateful to find work quickly and began building a new life with her husband and young daughter. Although Yulia had never heard of MCC before, when her employer, Sony Interactive Entertainment, offered an opportunity to volunteer by packing hygiene kits, she felt strongly drawn to participate. During her visit and tour in 2025, she was deeply moved by MCC’s ongoing work to support those affected by the crisis in Ukraine. Through tears, Yulia shared her own experience of being on the receiving end of emergency supplies like these. She thanked MCC many times and explained that you cannot truly understand what it means to receive such items in a time of great need. The work you are doing in our Thrift shop is making it possible for Yulia and others in Ukraine to receive relief and hygiene kits, comforters and canned meat in a time of uncertainty.
Anna and her son receive food relief through an MCC partner in Ukraine, similar to Yulia’s experience. New Life Charitable Fund Photo/Pavlo Dariichuk
Your Voice Matters: Share Your Volunteer Experience! The MCC Ontario Volunteer Survey is Still Open! Thank you to everyone who has already completed the MCC Ontario Volunteer Survey. If you haven’t yet, there’s still time to share your thoughts and experiences as a volunteer with MCC Ontario. How to participate: • Complete the survey online: www.surveymonkey.com/r/MCCOVolunteerSurvey2025 • Or ask your MCC staff contact for a printed copy. The survey closes on January 31, 2026. Your feedback helps us shape an excellent volunteer experience. Thank you for all you do with MCC Ontario!
Be an Active Bystander Join our Training Active Bystanders (TAB) workshop and learn practical ways to respond to harmful or isolating behaviour in everyday life. Date: January 19, 2026 | Time: 1:30–4:00 PM ET | Online - Zoom MCC Ontario does not expect volunteers to enter unsafe situations— TAB is about building confidence for everyday scenarios. Register here: bit.ly/TABJan2026